A wealthy American benefactor and Columbia University graduate, who served in World War II, has donated $260 million to Bar-Ilan University in Israel. The donation comes amid ongoing protests and police operations at U.S. campuses, with pro-Palestinian protesters setting up encampments in front of Los Angeles City Hall and on the Columbia University campus. The anonymous donor, described as a North American Jew, believed in Israel as a safe haven for the Jewish people and chose Bar-Ilan University for its research capabilities in expanding science-based technological resilience in the country. The university plans to invest the money in deep tech research areas such as energy, environment, cryptography, bio-convergence, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing.
Columbia University was at the center of a high-profile standoff during the recent wave of protests, with protesters setting up an encampment during an annual alumni reunion event, weeks after police had cleared the area. The college campus saw weeks of occupation by students and others demanding divestment from Israel. The protesters’ actions were met with support from supporters of the Palestinian cause, but critics, including President Joe Biden, accused them of promoting hate speech and threats of violence. The Columbia Spectator reported that the latest encampment, known as the “Revolt for Rafah,” was dismantled on Sunday, indicating a continued struggle between protest and university administrators.
Bar-Ilan University, located in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan, was founded in 1955 and currently has about 20,000 students. The college’s president, Arie Zaban, praised the donor for their commitment to Israel’s economic and social stability, as well as their trust in the university’s research capabilities. The donor’s gift will enable the university to recruit top researchers in various cutting-edge fields of science and technology, further solidifying its position as a leader in research and innovation in Israel. This donation will significantly impact the university’s research initiatives in areas crucial to the country’s future development.
The donor’s decision to give to Bar-Ilan University instead of their alma mater, Columbia University, is significant, and the reasons behind this choice remain unclear. The donation reflects the donor’s belief in Israel’s importance as a safe haven for the Jewish people and their dedication to supporting the country’s scientific advancements and technological resilience. The donor’s visits to Israel and observation of the college’s research efforts likely influenced their decision to support Bar-Ilan University. The gift will play a vital role in advancing the university’s research capabilities and contributing to Israel’s overall scientific and technological progress.
The protests and encampments at both Columbia University and Los Angeles City Hall highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and divestment movements on U.S. campuses. While the protests have garnered support from those advocating for Palestinian rights, they have also faced criticism for promoting hate speech and violence. The establishment of pro-Palestinian protest encampments has sparked heightened security measures by law enforcement officials, underscoring the escalating tensions surrounding the issue. The actions taken by protesters on these campuses reflect a larger debate within the university community regarding divestment and support for the Palestinian cause, with differing perspectives on the best approach to address these complex and sensitive issues.
